Of the Picture describing the death of
_Cleopatra_.
The Picture concerning the death of _Cleopatra_ with two Asps or
venemous Serpents unto her arms, or breasts, or both, requires
consideration: for therein (beside that this variety is not excusable)
the thing it self is questionable; nor is it indisputably certain what
manner of death she died. _Plutarch_ in the life of _Antony_ plainly
delivereth, that no man knew the manner of her death; for some affirmed
she perished by poison, which she alwayes carried in a little hollow
comb, and wore it in her hair. Beside, there were never any Asps
discovered in the place of her death, although two of her maids perished
also with her; only it was said, two small and almost insensible pricks
were found upon her arm; which was all the ground that _Cæsar_ had to
presume the manner of her death. _Galen_ who was contemporary unto
_Plutarch_, delivereth two wayes of her death: that she killed her self
by the bite of an Asp, or bit an hole in her arm, and poured poison
therein. _Strabo_ that lived before them both hath also two opinions;
that she died by the bite of an Asp, or else a poisonous ointment.
We might question the length of the Asps, which are sometimes described
exceeding short; whereas the Chersæa or land-Asp which most conceive she
used, is above four cubits long. Their number is not unquestionable; for
whereas there are generally two described, _Augustus_ (as _Plutarch_
relateth) did carry in his triumph the Image of _Cleopatra_ but with one
Asp under her arm. As for the two pricks, or little spots in her arm,
they infer not their plurality: for like the Viper, the Asp hath two
teeth; whereby it left this impression, or double puncture behind it.
And lastly, We might question the place; for some apply them unto her
breast, which notwithstanding will not consist with the History; and
_Petrus Victorius_ hath well observed the same. But herein the mistake
was easie; it being the custom in capital malefactors to apply them unto
the breast, as the Author _De Theriaca ad Pisonem_, an eye witness
hereof in _Alexandria_, where _Cleopatra_ died, determineth: I beheld,
saith he, in _Alexandria_, how suddenly these Serpents bereave a man of
life; for when any one is condemned to this kind of death, if they
intend to use him favourably, that is, to dispatch him suddenly, they
fasten an Asp unto his breast; and bidding him walk about, he presently
perisheth thereby.